Legendary model maker Henri Baigent built this exquisite Lotus 49-Cosworth miniature as a tribute to two-time Formula 1 World Champion Jim Clark. See the masterpiece up close in this original color newsreel piece. Continue reading
Category Archives: Auto History
Video: Selling the 1967 Datsun in America
Few recognized it at the time, but a revolution was brewing in the American car market: The Japanese automakers were preparing to carve out a big chunk of it for themselves. See revolution begin in this 1967 Datsun commercial. Continue reading
Automatic Failure: Ford’s 1942 Liquamatic Experiment
In 1942, Ford built a handful of Lincoln and Mercury models with a new type of automatic transmission called Liquamatic—then quickly withdrew it from the market. This is the story of that brief and spectacular failure. Continue reading
Motor City Landmark: The General Motors Building
Today this stately edifice is a government building officially called Cadillac Square, but from 1923 to 2000 it was the world headquarters for General Motors. Here’s the fascinating backstory to this historic Detroit landmark. Continue reading
Video: Selling the 1956 Packard Executive
One of the last of the real Detroit-built Packards, the Executive was launched in March of 1956—just as the company’s production lines were grinding to a final halt. Get the facts and figures and watch an original Packard Executive promotional clip here. Continue reading
Secrets of the 1963 Swiss Cheese Pontiacs
In 1963, Pontiac created a handful of very special Catalinas, strictly for drag racing, that would be forever known as the Swiss Cheese cars. Here are some rare details on these unusual Pontiacs. Continue reading
Video: GM Pitches Hydra-Matic Drive in the 1948 Oldsmobile
These days we take the automatic transmission for granted, but it took a concerted marketing campaign to sell the innovation to the American public. Here’s GM’s pitch to the car buyers of 1948 starring the Oldsmobile with Hydra-Matic Drive. Continue reading